When Not to Play

Recently I attended a festival that is completely free for the public.  They bring in bands from all over the state and usually one who is nationally known. This year a big radio sponsor was not involved, they were the ones who brought the big talent so to speak. As I ventured around the festival I noticed a few other things lacking from previous years, and thats when the rumors started popping up about the corrupt festival director who was double dipping and knew she was resigning so she sabotaged the whole festival. Guess what, rumors can be complete lies, in this case they were true so listen to what your fellow bands have to say about a venue, promoter or festival.  They are going to give you some of the best advice, but make sure to ask questions, don't just let your friends vent, they could be venting about an issue they actually caused.

Tip #1:
Never pay to play.  This goes for buying tickets up front and getting reimbursed. Pay for gas, and equipment just never pay a promotor to play a show.  Many nation wide promotions companies make deals with big venues to book their small concert halls during slow days. They charge bands to play or charge them for tickets up front then give them a dollar per ten dollar ticket they sell. You do the math on that, after gas, drinks, food, etc., are you making money or did you just pay to play to a room full of only your fans because the other band couldn't sell any tickets.

Tip #2:
Going back to my intro, some venues and festivals get a reputation for being shady or corrupt or just doing a horrible marketing job.  If last years festival had a bad turn out for a national act, we are talking number one song on the radio and only a hundred people half of who don't know the band standing there and watching. Do you want to play if the same people are doing the marketing for it? What if they offer you a slot at 11am when your band caters to a drinking audience that is still at work at 11am on a Friday.  If you can justify playing to a small audience who statistically will have no interest in your music, go for it, otherwise negotiate with the event coordinator to find a more fitting spot for you.

Tip #3:
Last minute gigs can be great opportunities but if your band is at the level of requiring a paycheck for every gig ask questions first. I always say, take every gig you are offered as long as it is legit but make sure you aren't going to hurt your reputation with a new venue by taking the gig.  Some venues have built in crowds some don't, if the venue expects you to bring a crowd it could be hard for you to rally your fans at the last minute to attend.  Some venue owners only look at the sales numbers and not the situation you were put in.  Be up front a voice any potential concerns you have with attendance, be proactive and book a follow up gig with them for doing them a favor.  That way you can make sure to have an opportunity to show them what you can really do with time on your side.

Be wise with every gig you book, ask questions. There are tons of middle men out there trying to make a dollar off bands. The more you know the less likely you are to work hard for nothing or be put in awkward situations.